Pistons Look for Way to Get Past the Celtics

The Detroit Pistons, who last year came within an errant pass of upsetting the Boston Celtics, are still trying to figure out a way to dethrone the NBA’s Eastern Conference champions.

But unless the Pistons can figure out a way to beat the Celtics in Boston, this year figures to be at best a repeat of last season’s 4-3 loss in the conference finals.

Boston can’t beat Detroit in the Silverdome and the Pistons can’t top the Celtics in Boston Garden--and Boston has the home court advantage for the playoffs virtually sewed up through the conference finals.

Last year Detroit was within three seconds of scoring an upset in Game 5 of the playoffs at Boston when an inbounds pass that will haunt Isiah Thomas forever was intercepted and turned into a winning Celtics basket at the buzzer.

Detroit won Game 6 at home but was unable to defeat Boston on its parquet floor in the final game. Adrian Dantley and Vinnie Johnson collided head to head in the fourth quarter diving for a loose ball. Both went out of the game and the Pistons faded away.

Realizing Detroit needed more beef up front, Pistons General Manager Jack McCloskey made some moves in that direction that have helped but probably not enough.

First McCloskey traded a No. 1 draft choice to Phoenix for 7-foot center William Bedford. Detroit viewed Bedford as a project who might take a couple of seasons.

It may take longer since Bedford checked into a substance abuse clinic to treat a cocaine problem. Bedford, who has talent but so far has not applied himself, was involved in a drug investigation in Phoenix but was not charged.

For short term help, McCloskey dealt spare lower round draft choices to get aging but still useful backup center Darryl Dawkins. After a couple games, Dawkins went home and was suspended by the Pistons for the remainder of the season so he could sort out personal problems.

In danger of striking out, McCloskey went to bat for a third time and landed another veteran backup center, James Edwards, from the Phoenix Suns. It has taken Edwards time to fit in but he could be of enormous help in the playoffs.

At one point in the season Detroit was on the verge of passing Boston for the best record in the Eastern Conference. But injuries and an inability to beat some teams on the road mean the Pistons will finish second to somebody again.

Last year Detroit was second to Atlanta in its division but ripped the Hawks, 4-1, in the playoffs.

This year, Atlanta pulled to within a game of Detroit after being 5 1/2 games back at one point only to have the Pistons come into the Omni last week and show the Hawks they are still boss. Just as the Pistons went into Boston earlier this month and learned the Celtics are still boss.